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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in General Linguistics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115233  Master of Arts in General Linguistics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Master of Arts in General Linguistics enables learners to acquire adequate research skills in Linguistics within the Faculty of Arts. It requires attention to the following three important aspects:
  • A broaden and deepen the learner's knowledge in the Linguistics disciplines as specified through course work leading to detailed literature surveys.
  • Develop basic research skills.
  • Write a mini-thesis on an accepted research topic.

    Rationale:
    The rationale develops learners who have critical theoretical and practical knowledge and the necessary skills associated with scientific research in a specialised field of Linguistics. Learners can identify and resolve real-life problems, also in a work environment, critically and creatively. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Policy and Procedures document sets out the requirements and procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning for admission to institution study.

    Prior learning is in the form of properly certified institution qualifications that are acceptable to the Senate for recognition for admission. Appropriate professional qualifications, as well as a body of practical experience, substantiated through a portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application may also be considered.

    Applications are in terms of the rules governing selection for Postgraduate studies which states that: "A learner who has graduated from another tertiary institution or who has in any other manner attained a level of competence which, in the opinion of the Senate, is adequate for Postgraduate studies or research, may be admitted as a learner of this institution.

    Learners use the institution's procedure, approved at various university levels". The relevant body and approval endorse assessment learners before learner registration. Performance of learners admitted by RPL is closely monitored, and the implementation and effectiveness of RPL evaluated annually.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A Bachelor of Arts Honours, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Linguistics.
    2. Do research on a limited Linguistics topic. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Linguistics in projects and produce papers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Complete research and produce evidence on a limited Linguistics topic of study.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessments include:
  • Write and submit a research proposal on a researchable topic.
  • Write a dissertation (under supervision) and submit it, once completed, for examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to a Master of Arts Degree in Applied Linguistics (Biola University, USA). Both of these institutions' qualifications are similar. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.